AUTHOR TITLE INSTITUTION SPONS AGENCY

Technical considerations associated with item selection and reliability assessment are considered in relation to criterion-reference.tests constructed to provide group information. The purpose is tc emphasize test building and the evaluation cf test scores in program evaluation studies. It is stressed that an evaluator employ a performance or achievement instrument sensitive enough to reflect group/individual ability in terms of the specific goals of the program. Criterion-referenced tests are designed for this purpose. Two steps in criterion referenced test development are considered: the approach to item selection, and the assessment of sccre reliability. Methods for handling"themin preparing and using criterion-referenced tests. in program evaluation studies are offered. Norm-referenced and criterion-referenced testing within a program evaluation context are compared, and a model for developing/validating criterion-referenced tests is introduced. (Author/Gr